Wear retro to Travel - Go big once and see who is impressed
- Apr 19, 2025
- Travel guide
Wear retro to Travel - Go big once and see who is impressed
One golden morning, sunlight spills through the glass window, your suitcase is zipped, and your heart hums like the soft crackle of a vinyl record playing in a vintage room. There’s something magical about traveling not just to discover new lands, but to live fully in another era—an era where flared skirts, peter pan collars, bell-bottom trousers, and knotted scarves speak a fashion language called “retro.”
Dressing retro on your travels isn’t just about looking good—it’s about expressing personality and offering the world a different lens. Imagine walking into the old streets of Hội An in a dreamy yellow vintage dress, posing beside a mustard-hued wall, and capturing a photo that feels like a timeless film still from the 70s. That’s not just an outfit; it’s a mood, a story, a moment.
But retro isn’t about raiding your grandmother’s closet or hoarding second-hand finds without thought. It’s an art—an elegant harmony of pieces, layers, and colors. Think cream, earth brown, mustard yellow, and wine red—not flashy neons or pastel trends. A polka-dot dress with Mary Jane shoes and a rattan crossbody bag can turn a simple travel shot into something with soul. For mountain retreats like Đà Lạt or Tam Đảo, a turtleneck knit top paired with a pleated midi skirt and a beret creates a soft, sweet retro vibe under the pine trees. If you're heading to sunny coastal escapes like Phú Yên or Ninh Thuận, go for a cotton floral dress, simple slide sandals, and oval sunglasses—the kind of look that feels effortless but iconic.
The beauty of retro lies in the stories behind each detail. A scarf is not just to hold your hair back—it echoes the grace of French women wandering Indochina decades ago. Sunglasses aren’t just for shade—they frame your face with classic flair. And a worn-out film camera slung over your shoulder? It brings the whole outfit to life. Don’t be afraid of standing out; your uniqueness is what makes the memories unforgettable. One frame can go from pretty to poetic just because your outfit had character.
If you're wondering whether retro styling is too fussy for travel—don’t worry. The trick is smart minimalism. A square-neck linen dress is breezy for daytime walks yet classy enough for a candlelit dinner. High-waisted jeans, an oversized shirt, and a turban scarf can take you from a city stroll to a gallery visit. Choose breathable, wrinkle-friendly fabrics to stay light and chic. Go for mix-and-match items: a frilly white blouse that works with both skirts and wide-leg pants, a babydoll dress that can be layered or worn alone. And never underestimate the power of comfy retro shoes—blisters should never be part of the itinerary.
Retro beauty isn’t loud—it’s charming. Soft curls, a low bun, pearl earrings. A travel flatlay with vintage paper notebooks, an ink pen, a folded map, and a glass water bottle tells a deeper story. No fancy poses needed. Sometimes just leaning on a wooden balcony, holding a wide-brim hat, and gazing into the distance is all it takes for people to ask, “Where is this? It looks like a movie scene.”
A little-known trick is matching your outfit with the check-in spot. Parisian 60s look? Find a café with rattan chairs, brick walls, golden lights, and jazz music. Saigon nostalgia? Alleyways with green doors and parked Vespas are ideal. Craving the soul of old Hanoi? Seek staircases aged by time, balconies blooming with paper flowers, or yellow-washed buildings with clotheslines—backdrops rich with memory and meaning.
When traveling becomes a slow-living ritual and dressing up becomes part of the joy, retro isn’t just a trend—it’s a refined lifestyle. You don’t need a fortune to live it. Just a keen eye, a creative spark, and a love for all things timeless. That straw bag from a thrift store, the block-heeled shoes you almost forgot, the beret passed down from your mother—put together thoughtfully, they tell a story only you can tell.
The more you travel, the more you realize that style isn’t about chasing trends—it’s what makes someone pause and admire. And with retro, every person has the chance to write their own chapter of the journey, quietly but vividly. Sometimes, all it takes is a vintage outfit on an ordinary trip to make someone remember the look in your eyes by the ancient doorstep, under a sunset as sweet as the years gone by.
So if you’ve been waiting for a sign to reorganize your wardrobe or inspiration to book your next trip—retro style might just be your sweetest signal. Because sometimes, to go far, you simply need to wear something that brings your heart a little closer to your dreamy, vintage self.
Share on